An Indian company can launch an international forex brokerage by investing in a licensed brokerage entity abroad, for example in the UAE, Mauritius, Cyprus or Seychelles, under India's Overseas Investment Rules, 2022. Eligible Indian companies, including those with net profits in the preceding three financial years, may invest in a foreign financial services entity, and the brokerage then serves clients in countries where it is licensed and permitted, while development, support and back-office teams can be based in India. The ownership runs through the Indian company, because resident individuals cannot invest directly in a foreign financial services company.
- Indian companies can own a licensed forex brokerage abroad under the Overseas Investment Rules, 2022.
- Eligibility includes conditions such as net profits in the preceding three financial years for companies not already in financial services.
- Structure ownership through the Indian company; resident individuals cannot invest directly in a foreign financial services entity.
- The brokerage serves international clients in permitted countries, not Indian residents.
- Technology, support and back-office teams can be run from India.
Looking for a turnkey international brokerage? Platform, liquidity, CRM and payments for your licensed entity abroad.
Indian businesses are building successful brokerages for global markets, combining a licence abroad with India's talent for technology, support and operations. Here is the structure that makes it work.
The structure in one picture
| Layer | Where | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Indian parent company | India | Owns the brokerage through an overseas investment under the 2022 rules |
| Licensed brokerage | UAE, Mauritius, Cyprus, Seychelles or another jurisdiction | Holds the licence and serves clients in permitted countries |
| India operations | India | Development, support, marketing and back office as service providers |
Step by step
- Check your Indian company's eligibility under the Overseas Investment Rules, 2022, for example the net profit condition for companies not already in financial services.
- Choose a jurisdiction that fits your target markets and budget. Compare options in our licence cost comparison and Mauritius vs Seychelles.
- Set up and license the foreign entity, with help from local advisers and our company formation support.
- Complete the overseas investment filings through your bank (the authorised dealer).
- Launch the technology: an MT5 white label or multiple platforms, liquidity, a forex CRM and payments.
- Target your markets: the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and other regions where your licence allows.
Built-in client controls
Your onboarding should accept clients only from the countries your licence covers, which excludes Indian residents. Our CRM handles this automatically with country rules, KYC and document checks, so your team can focus on growth.
Why India-based teams are an advantage
Development, MQL programming, support, KYC operations and marketing teams in India give international brokerages strong capabilities at competitive cost. Many global brokers already run large teams from India. See MT5 white label for Indian founders and our India page.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with SEBI, the exchanges, IFSCA or RBI and a qualified adviser before you start.